The Journal of the Canadian Economics Association
La revue de l'association canadienne d'économique
Style Guidelines for Accepted Papers
Mathematical Style
- Displayed equations should be numbered, with the number appearing at
the right hand edge of the line.
- Use least cost mathematical notation to the extent possible.
- There is a major difference between mathematics that is
embedded in ordinary lines of text and mathematical expressions that
are "displayed" (i.e. set out in separate
numbered lines). In particular, for fractions contained in lines of
ordinary text, please print them in "horizontal" form,
using a slash and parentheses. The "vertical" form, with the numerator
literally above the denominator, is much more difficult to
incorporate. If
you need to use the vertical form, do so by having the expression
displayed in a
separate numbered line. Also, it is much better to have a vertical
fraction displayed in a separate line rather than a complicated horizontal
fraction
embedded in a line of text.
- The principle outlined in the previous point applies generally, not just
to fractions: complicated
mathematical expressions should be displayed in separate numbered lines
rather than embedded in lines of text.
- Avoid subscripts on subscripts, and
superscripts on superscripts.
- When copy-editing equations,
we use small capitals to represent variables made up of two letters
(like MC for "marginal cost") so they are distinguished from the
product of M and C, which would appear as capitalized italics.
